Vaccinations

About

Vaccinations

Many contagious diseases that have historically caused illness in dogs and cats can be successfully avoided with proper vaccination. Some diseases like feline leukemia are highly contagious, costly to treat, and in many cases prove deadly. Diseases like Rabies are not only deadly for pets, but can be transmitted to humans as well.

After a comprehensive physical exam, the veterinarian will assess your pet’s risk of contracting diseases that we vaccinate for routinely. The veterinarian will take into consideration your pet’s age, general health and lifestyle before making a recommendation.

The following discussion is designed to give you a quick overview of the diseases we most commonly vaccinate against and the duration of immunity they provide.

Feline Vaccines

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP)

This combination vaccine provides immunity against three common diseases that cause respiratory illness in cats. All three diseases are highly contagious and can be difficult to treat.

After the initial kitten series of vaccines, your pet will be protected for one year. The following one year booster vaccination will provide immunity for three years.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLv) 

Feline Leukemia is a contagious virus that causes immune suppression and can lead to cancer in some cases. Cats infected with FeLv may be unable to fight off diseases that other healthy cats overcome easily.
After the initial kitten series of vaccines, your pet will be protected for one year. The following one year booster vaccination will provide immunity for two years.

Rabies 

Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans through bite wounds and scratches.   Even if your cat doesn’t venture outdoors he/she can be exposed by rodents or bats that get inside the house. Because this disease cannot be treated and can be transmitted to people, we recommend all cats be vaccinated against Rabies.

This vaccine only provides protection for one year. Annual boosters are necessary for continued immunity.

Canine Vaccines

Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus (DAP)

This combination vaccine provides immunity against three common viral diseases seen in dogs. All three diseases are highly contagious and lead to death in many cases. Parvovirus is diagnosed frequently in our area and can be very costly to treat.

After the initial puppy series of vaccines, your pet will be protected for one year. The following one year booster vaccination will provide immunity for three years.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is transmitted to dogs who come into contact with water contaminated by wildlife such as raccoons, opossum, skunks, squirrels, etc. This disease affects the liver and kidneys and can be deadly. Leptospirosis can also be transmitted to humans, so vaccination is not just beneficial for your pet, but also keeps your family safe.

This vaccine only provides protection for one year. Annual boosters are necessary for continued immunity.

Bordetella

Bordetella vaccination protects against Tracheobronchitis, a highly contagious viral and bacterial disease causing a dry, hacking cough that may last six weeks or more. This disease is transmitted through casual contact at kennels, grooming facilities, the park, or with neighboring dogs.

This vaccine only provides protection for one year. Annual boosters are necessary for continued immunity. For dogs at high risk that are boarded frequently or groomed often, vaccination every 6 months may be advised.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans through bite wounds and scratches.   Local governments require Rabies vaccination by law.

After the initial puppy series of vaccines, your pet will be protected for one year. The following one year booster vaccination will provide immunity for three years.